would you mind showing me around? [[Hello!]]
@symphonyofmalice Quintin looked around eyes scrunching together questioningly until he realized it was him being spoken too. When he realized it he was surprised, “Oh um yeah sure? I can show you around, I guess?”
Q looked at him like are you sure you want me to do this? He shrugged, “I am Quintin Coldwater. Pleased to meet you.” He placed a book-marker to mark his spot in his well read book. He quickly stuffed it into his messenger bag. He stood up from his spot under the tree and asked, “are you looking for anyplace in particular?”
Nicolas stopped in his tracks, flinching at the nickname. "Please don't call me Nicki" he blurted out, before getting to any of the other things Quentin was saying. Then, to soften the awkwardness of the blunt statement, added "Sorry. Just... old ex. Bad breakup. Still stings." He didn't need to go into any more detail than that, he doubted Quentin would care.
His eyes widened a touch at the advice about being psychic. "Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize. I'll keep that contained, then." He'd try, at least. Sometimes the ability seemed to get away from him, but maybe that was exactly what the school would teach him. He hoped so, at least. "And, got it. I don't need to be the star of the show." He'dlikely keep mostly to himself at the party anyway, at least at first.
He could tell the question wasn't purely a polite platitude. "It's...strange. I imagine finding out they're literally magic is a shock for most people. But if there's other people like me, then, maybe I can figure out how to be whatever I am." It came out a more philosophical statement than he intended, but it was true.
Quintin stopped immediately his hands coming up a little in reflex. “Sorry. I won’t do that,” he said quickly. He nodded once he accepted the explanation without digging. “Got it.” He listened while Nicolas talked he actually listened his eyes eyes tracking the path instead of staring at him. “Yeah, Brakebills is good at... labels,” Quintin said. “Sometimes too good but if you’ve got something going on already then you’re not alone here... That part’s real.”
He glanced over at him when Nicolas mentioned figuring himself out. “That’s kind of the point or what they tell us the point is.” He gave a small shrug. “Some people get answers. Some people just get better control.” They reached the turn toward the psychic cottage. Quintin slowed. “If it helps, most psychics here learn how to put walls up. It’s not about shutting it off completely. Just... dialing it down so you don’t go insane.”
He hesitated then added, “If anyone gives you trouble then let me know. First years get eaten alive sometimes not literally but usually. I’ll see you at dinner and the party... if you show.”
